Tag Archives: Groundcovers

Filling in the Spaces: Part 2

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moss phloxCreeping Phlox/ Moss Phlox (Phlox subulata): Vigorous mat-forming 6” high plant that rambles through rocks and drapes over rock walls. Dense ground cover excellent for controlling erosion on slopes.  Note: Not for pathways, it does not tolerate foot traffic.  Perennial,  Full sun,  Flowers can be white, rose, hot pink or magenta, Deer Resistant. USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9.

Hen _ChicksHens-and-chicks (Sempervivum)
Ground-hugging, cold hardy, sun loving, drought tolerant succulent.  Leaves form in rosette shapes, propagate by offsets (chicks). With 3,000 cultivars available leaf colors range from shades of green, to silver-blues,  to dark purple, and delicate pink. Use in rock gardens, containers or areas you want to “fill-in”.  Perennial,  Full sun to Part Sun,  Likes Sandy/ Gritty Soil,  Drought Tolerant, Deer proof. Groundcover. USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 10.

Irish moss Sagina_subulataIrish Moss/Corsican Pearl Wort (Sagina subulata)
Handsome lush low-growing green moss that forms a carpet-like foliage 1″ tall. Tiny translucent star-shaped white flowers. Irish Moss is prefect for rock gardens, between stone or paver pathways. Perennial,  Evergreen, Full or Part Shade,  Needs Water & Well-Draining Soil, White Flowers, Deer Proof, Groundcover. USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 10.

Article by Carlotta Lucas

Filling in the Spaces

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The small spaces between rocks, and stone pathways are tough area to grow anything except weeds, but here are a few plants that thrive between the cracks and crevices.

Thymus serpyllumCreeping Thyme  (Thymus serpyllum):  Excellent for pathways,  grows flat and tolerates foot traffic.  Likes well-drained soil.  Soft fuzzy Appearance. Herbaceous Perennial, Fragrant, Pink flower, Sun/Part Shade, Deer Proof, Attracts Bees. USDA Hardiness Zones  4 to 9.

 

Wooly thymeWooly Thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus): Durable plant perfect for filling in between stepping stones, or rock gardens. Soft foliage creates a low, lush mat with pink flowers.  Herbaceous Perennial, Attracts Butterflies & Bees,  Sun/Part Shade,  Drought Tolerant/ Water Wise Groundcover, Deer Proof.  USDA Hardiness Zones  5 to 8.

Blue Star Creeper.jpgBlue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis):  A wonderful creeping perennial for filling in. Use between stepping stones, under shrubs, in rockery, around ponds.  Tiny green leaves form a dense, low mat ½ inches high.  Produces tiny light blue star-shaped flowers which cover the plant late spring into fall.  Perennial, Evergreen, Full Sun/Part Shade,  Tolerates Foot Traffic, Like Moisture, Deer Proof.  USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 9.

Horticulture Report:Rock Rose

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Plant Name: Helianthemum   heliamthemum
Common name: Rock Rose
Plant type: Evergreen, or Semi-evergreen, Shrubby Perennial
Height:   6-12 inches
Spread: 1-3 feet

Bloom Time: May – June
Flower Color: Various – White, Yellow, Red, Pink, Scarlet, Orange.
Exposure: Full Sun
Soil Requirements: Well Drained Rocky to Sandy Soil.

Water Needs: Low
Attributes:  Good in Alpine & Rock Gardens, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Evergreen Good accent plant with texture & form, Gray Foliage & Dark Green Foliage.
Uses: Attracts Butterflies,  Rock gardens, Container, Ground Cover, Xeriscape Gardens.
USDA Zone: 5-8  (check cultivar)

Horticulture Report: Sweet Woodruff

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Plant Name: Galium odoratumsweet-woodruff
Common Name:  Sweet Woodruff
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Height: 8 to 12 inches
Spread: 2-3 feet  
Bloom Time: May – June
Flower Color: White
Exposure: Full to Part shade
Soil Requirements: Rich well-drained soil
Water Needs: Regular – moist
Attributes: Dainty Fragrant Flowers, Fragrant Vanilla-like Leaves & Stems
Note: Tolerant of Back Walnut trees
Uses: Shade Garden, Pathway & Garden Edging, Woodland Garden, Rock Gardens, Herb Garden, Naturalize, Groundcover
Native to: Northern Asia, Northern Africa &  Europe
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9

Horticulture Report:

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Plant Name:  Epimedium pubigerumepimedium_bishops-hat
Common Name:  Bishop’s Hat,  Red Barrenwort,
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Height: 1-2 feet
Spread: 1-2 feet
Bloom Time: April to June
Flower Color: Tiny yellow flowers
Exposure:  Part to Full Shade
Soil Requirements: Fertile, well-drained
Water Needs: Average, will tolerate semi-dry situations
Attributes: Heart-shaped leaves, Bronze Fall Foliage, Deer Resistant, Drought tolerant when established,
Note: Grows well under trees
Uses: Fall Color, Winter Interest, Dry Rocky Areas, Woodland Gardens, Naturalized Gardens, Groundcover
Native to: Bulgaria, Turkey, Caucasus
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9

Horticulture Report:Tiarella cordifolia

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Plant Name: Tiarella cordifoliatiarella-cordifolia_-foamflower
Common Name:  Foamflower
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Height: 1 foot
Spread: 1-2 feet
Bloom Time: May
Flower Color: White or Pink
Exposure: Part Shade to Full shade
Soil Requirements: Rich well-drained soil
Water Needs: Medium, keep moist
Attributes: Showy Flowers, Bronze Fall Foliage, Semi-glossy Heart-shaped Leavesfoam_flower_tiarella_cordifolia, Deer Tolerant
Note: Spreads rapidly by runners
Uses: Naturalizing, mass planting for ground cover, woodland garden,   
Native to: USA: Southeast to the Midwest & Canada: Nova Scotia
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9

 

Local source: Forestfarms – Williams Oregon https://www.forestfarm.com/